India U21 women hockey team put up a resounding show in Belgium, sweeping the hosts 3-0 in a tightly fought series that underlined the promise and maturity of the Junior Sherniyan.
With wins of 3-2, 2-1, and 3-2 in the three encounters, India showcased a mix of flair, discipline, and game sense qualities that bode well as they prepare for stiffer challenges ahead.
The European tour has already proven fruitful as a developmental platform, but the way this young Indian team held their nerve under pressure to deliver three consecutive victories shows they’re not just gaining exposure they’re turning it into success.
Match 1: India 3-2 Belgium
Goals: Sonam (4’), Lalthantluangi (32’ PC), Kanika Siwach (51’ PC)
India started the tour in emphatic fashion with an early goal from Sonam in the 4th minute, setting the tone for an aggressive and front-foot approach. Lalthantluangi doubled the lead in the second quarter with a sharp penalty corner conversion, asserting India’s superiority on set pieces. Although Belgium struck back twice—through Marie Gonnes (37’) and Marte Marie (40’ PS)—India held their nerves.
The defining moment came in the fourth quarter when Kanika Siwach calmly converted another penalty corner, handing India a crucial opening win. Defensive resilience and swift counterattacks were key themes in this encounter.
Match 2: India 2-1 Belgium
Goals: Lalthantluangi (35’), Geeta Yadav (50’)
India continued their momentum in the second fixture with a tactically solid display. The match was marked by tighter defensive structure and improved ball retention in midfield. Lalthantluangi, who has emerged as one of the most reliable penalty corner specialists in the team, struck again to give India the lead in the third quarter.
Belgium did manage to equalise, but the Indian side displayed maturity beyond their years. Geeta Yadav’s brilliant strike in the 50th minute proved to be the winner. Her opportunistic play and calm finish underlined India’s growing confidence and poise in high-pressure moments.
Match 3: India 3-2 Belgium
Goals: Geeta Yadav (11’), Sonam (40’), Lalthantluangi (45’)
The final match was yet another thriller. India opened the scoring through Geeta Yadav, whose attacking instincts once again came to the fore. Belgium managed to equalise before Sonam netted her second goal of the tour with a fine field goal in the 40th minute.
The match reached boiling point in the fourth quarter, with both sides fighting hard in the midfield. But it was Lalthantluangi who once again proved decisive, converting a penalty corner in the 45th minute to ensure India finished the tour with three wins in three games.
Consistency and Team Growth
Across all three matches, what stood out was India’s consistent goal-scoring spread and their ability to respond to pressure. Whether it was an early lead or a comeback situation, the Junior Sherniyan displayed tactical clarity and strong coordination.
The midfield was instrumental in linking defence to attack, while players like Lalthantluangi and Kanika Siwach were key in capitalising on set-piece opportunities. Defenders stayed compact and disciplined, limiting Belgium’s chances from open play.
Notably, Sonam and Geeta Yadav also emerged as dependable forwards, repeatedly breaking into the circle and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Bigger Battles Await
With Belgium conquered, the Indian team now heads to tougher assignments against Australia and the Netherlands—two of the world’s most structured and physical junior outfits. These matches are expected to test India’s defensive durability and adaptability to fast-paced, possession-driven styles of hockey.
The coaching staff will be focused on enhancing composure under sustained pressure and improving penalty corner defence, both of which will be vital in facing higher-ranked teams.
Pathway to the Senior Team
This tour isn’t just about results—it’s a stepping stone for the core group that will shape the future of Indian women’s hockey. With Paris 2024 now in the rearview and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly in sight, identifying and grooming talent at the U21 level has become more critical than ever.
The consistent performances from this group will definitely place several of them in contention for senior team opportunities, especially with India aiming to build a deeper and more dynamic squad over the next Olympic cycle.
The Support Behind the Rise
The success of the U21 team also reflects the growing ecosystem around Indian hockey. Backing from Hockey India, the Sports Authority of India, and continued support from the Odisha Government has allowed for more exposure tours and international experience at a young age.
Playing on European surfaces, adapting to different umpiring styles, and facing foreign tactical setups is helping Indian players evolve into smarter, more adaptable athletes.
Final Thoughts
A 3-0 sweep on Belgian soil is no small feat. The Junior Sherniyan didn’t just win—they impressed with their grit, flair, and ability to perform under pressure. The wins will boost morale, but more importantly, they serve as a signal to the world: India’s next generation of women hockey stars is ready to rise.
As they move ahead to face tougher competition, they carry with them not just points, but belief—belief in their skills, their system, and their future.
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— IndiaSportsHub